Research: JACOBS and COLLEAGUES,

Abstract

JACOBS and COLLEAGUES, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis investigate the link between mindfulness meditation and stress reduction.

Background

Cognitive perseverations that include worry and rumination over past or future events may prolong cortisol release, which in turn may contribute to pre-disease pathways and adversely affect physical health. Meditation training may increase self-reported mindfulness, which has been linked to reductions in cognitive perseverations. However, there are no reports that directly link self-reported mindfulness and resting cortisol output. Here, the authors investigate this link.

Methodology

In an observational study, the authors measured self-reported mindfulness and p.m. cortisol near the beginning and end of a 3-month meditation retreat (N = 57).

Conclusion

These data suggest a relation between self-reported mindfulness and resting output of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. Future work should aim to replicate this finding in a larger cohort and determine stronger inference about causality by using experimental designs that include control-group conditions.